Ways to Be a Superstar at Work

Making the corporate climb hinges on observing common do's and don'ts, says Cathie Black, publisher of Hearst Magazines and author of the book "Basic Black." She and others share tips for hurdling land mines -- and landing higher on the org chart.

1. Decline the Oscar. "It's always tempting to be sucked into the whirlwind of office drama," but it's not worth the wounds backstage, Black said.
2. Handle it. "A crisis for you may not be one for your boss," so don't make it one, she wrote. Announce the news with an end run. Problems have more receptive audiences when they're solved.
3. Go deep. When hiring, "look for a track record of success, not just the most recent" hits, said Black. Listing a few wins could mask a string of losses.
4. Know what counts. There's a crucial difference between "being respected and being liked. One is in your control, and the other is not," she wrote. "Some people won't like you no matter how much you try to win them over. It's just a matter of personal chemistry. But if you conduct yourself in a way that commands respect, people will respond to it, even grudgingly." Take the high road, and even critics will "tend to like you more."
5. Don't stop at no. "Very often, people can be -- and even want to be -- convinced," Black wrote. To sell an idea, hone your pitch. The difference between no and yes often lies in the information you provide, the way you package it -- and your timing, says performance coach Jack Griffin.
6. Know whom to call. "If you want something done, give it to a busy person," Black said. "The ones who appear the busiest are (usually) the most reliable."Forget the laggards with empty plates. They're busy staring at their reflections.
7. Do it later. If possible, avoid checking e-mails first thing in the morning. It puts you in grunt-work mode, says management expert Julie Morgenstern. At most, spot-check mail for critical messages, then return an hour or two later. In the meantime, do a task that fires you up.
8. Scope the big picture. "The first half of your life is spent chasing success," Black said. "The second half is spent chasing significance." At some point, all leaders begin thinking about their legacies. It's not what you bring to the table; it's what you leave there.
   "The energy spent trying to advance (seems) less important than the larger meaning behind your work," she wrote.
   "Start thinking in those terms now. You'll accomplish more, with greater satisfaction, than you thought possible."